So, for all those who are having the most powerful smartphone which is Samsung Galaxy S2 GT I9100 can now update their phones with the latest version of Gingerbread 2.3.6 version. This update comes at a time when last time not many users were satisfied with the last version which we saw with the version as XWKJ3 Gingerbread 2.3.5 version. The firmware version which we will be seeing in the article is dubbed as the Gingerbread 2.3.6 XWKK5. To make things simple, we have simplified this article for you wherein you are just 1 step behind applying this update and which is the list of pre Requisites instructions which facilitates the smoother and safer firmware update.

Please note that this update should only be applied by the users who are having the UNLOCKED Samsung Galaxy S2 phone only with the model number as GT I9100. If you proceed with updating the locked or the network contract phones then you will no longer be able to avail the warranty and also the phone too may get bricked for which we should not be held responsible. Since it’s a global release, anyone with their Galaxy S2 I9100 phones can apply this update. This update doesn’t support other models like Galaxy Sky Rocket or say even Samsung Mesmerize, captivate etc.

Disclaimer: Please note that we should not be held liable or responsible in any manner in whole or in parts if anything wrong happens to your device which is the most unlikely if you follow the instructions as prescribed in the due course of this article and also apply the mentioned update only on Samsung Galaxy S2 GT I9100.

Rooting Information:

Rooting basically gives the third party files to access the system level files to make the required customizations but applying this firmware won’t need the root access. Also, the best part of this XWKK5 firmware is that it not only un roots the device but also after updating you can claim back the lost warranty which gets void generally once you root he device.

Just in case if your phone is already rooted, then you will be losing the Root access after applying this firmware.

We will also soon come up with the article wherein you will be easily able to root the phone on the XWKK5 Firmware

So, let’s proceed to the list of pre Requisites which you need to follow from the below mentioned link. Once you finish following the instructions which are mentioned below you then need to proceed to next page for detailed instructions on how to apply this Gingerbread 2.3.6 XWKK5 firmware.

Hello, i currently have the rooted 2.3.3 i9100M, UGKG2. Kies shows my phone is has latest version and will not show any updates. Is this because the phone is rooted and will not allow me to update. And if that is the case, do i have to continue and use Odin to upgrade manually.

Hi
Since upgrading from Official KIES firmware 2.3.4 to 2.3.5 via the Jayce Ooi’s method / Dutch/European version then 2.3.6 OTA I have found that when I fully charge the battery with the phone OFF or ON via USB or POWER OUTLET, when disconnected it returns a battery life of 97%.

I have done a full cycle of discharging and recharging my phone but still the same issue.

I’m pretty sure 2.3.5 for the first couple of days did not do this.

Would you be able to advise why this might be and if this has been an issue with 2.3.6?

My Galaxy S2 is bricked after a failed update using Kies. Recovery mode isn’t available, only Download mode works. I’ve been reading your guide and was thinking of giving it a shot as a solution. Problem is because my phone is bricked i can not confirm if it is locked/unlocked and haven’t taken any actions yet. Any suggestions?

my Samsung galaxy s2 GT-I9100 has 2.3.5 version and i would like to update firmware to 2.3.6 official firmware using Kies but it keeps telling that i have the latest firmware installed. i dialled *#1234# . The result:

I got a Samsung Galaxy S2 Mobile in Canada two month back, its unlocked

Mobile Details,
Android
2.3.4
Model number : GT-I9100
Baseband Version: I9100UHKI1
Kernel Version: 2.6.35.7.I900UHKI2-CL553601
se.infra@SE-07 #2
Build number
GINGERBREAD.UHKI2
so please guide me to which firmware i needed to up date to 2.3.6 as there are so many am new i just update my firmware once when i had new 1st time with kies to current version 2.3.4
many thanks!
jeet

i updated the firmware of my S2 to XXKP8 ICS 4.0.3 , it worked fine and smooth provided there were frequent random reboots of the device at exact intervals of 12 hours after flashing.Got dissapointed as the upgrade was fine and running smooth but the reboots spoiled the game. i have no complaints, but wanted to know y such thing happened.
i am more than satisfied with this site. i downgraded to a more stable 2.3.6 version which i did earlier. nice job pal keep it going . no qualms .

Hi. My SGS2 is locked to Bell Mobility in Canada. Is it absolutely true that the phone must be unlocked in order to install XWKK5 on it? Do I have to root it? I just got it and don’t want to void the warranty right away. Thanks.

My SGS2 is locked to Bell Mobility in Canada. In you article you’re saying that the phone must be unlocked. Is it absolutely true? Does it mean that I can’t install XWKK5 on my phone without rooting it first? I just got it, so I don’t want to void the warranty right away?

I auto updated using WI-FI with option available in About Phone Section.. Now its showing Android Version as 2.3.6.
Now i’m having problem connecting to PC using USB, my mobile is not recognized when connecting through USB..

First of all I want to tell you that you are doing a good job. I have upgraded to many firmware versions with your help. But from past couple of days I am facing a strange problem. My S2 doesn’t recognize any sim card. Even though sim card crd is inside, it complains ‘insert sim card’. I tried firmware upgrade, factory reset etc but nothing seems to work. Please advice .

I had successfully updated to 2.3.6 .. even though I didn’t execute the last step. Do we need to execute the last step to clear the data on the phone ad to start the phone i recovery mode ? What happens if we skip the last step ?

I followed the instructions to the letter. Post install of the 2.3.5 package, it showed it was at Android 2.3.5 . Then I did a wipe data/factory reset AND wipe cache . now after reboot it comes up in what seems like Dutch !!!!

thanks for your reply Neal. I was reading through other forums I find that I9100M is identical to I9100 except for its model number because its sold by Bell/Virgin. Can you suggest me how I can update my I9100M from 2.3.3 to 2.3.6. I have got my phone rooted and unlocked from Virgin network.

Thanks for everything!!!! Been running on stock firmware XXKDJ for few months after buying… To avoid any problems and to play safe (knew someone who ran into problems after straight update from XXKDJ to XWKK5), i update it to XWKI1 first, then again to XWKJ3 and finally to XWKK5…. now running smoothly..PROBLEMS FREE!!!!

I have previously flashed 2.3.5 and now when i am trying to update to this , Odin is crashing, it exits because of a run time error. I tried with different Odin version 1.83, v 1.85 and none of them worked, any clues ?.

Thanks for everything. It was the first time I updated my firmware using your instructions and it went all smooth. Now I am on to 2.3.6 and the battery is indeed showing improvements. I have been waiting for an official release for days but nothing showed up. Every Indian user on 2.3.3 can use this firmware to jump onto 2.3.6. Great Job Neal Pradeep!

PS: I uninstalled Kies and Norton 360 from my PC before updating just to be sure I do not break my dear Galaxy S2. Worth the pain.

hello there! i’ve been reading a lot about comments and queries on this page and most people is having problems on upgrading their firmware…well, i guess i’m just lucky to install this update or upgrade, whatever you call it without any hassles…first, i did upgrade to 2.3.5 via kies and 2.3.6 via Odin3.

so far i have no problem with this upgrade, i did not even backed up everything on my phone but after installations, still, everything works just fine as it was before…but ofcourse some UI changes.

i just followed instructions carefully and voila! 2.3.6 is running smoothly.

hai ! neal, acording ur suggestion i buy new galaxy s2 I9100 16 gb with android 2.3.5. gingerbread…jpkj2
its nice but it showing internal sd memory 11.75 gb but manufracturer mentiond 16 GB internal .. but it shows 11.something .. how it possible plz clarify ..and i download facebook from market but it shows notifications but not open ! how can solve this problem

Neal! Two errors in this article that could really screw up things for people:

1) On page 1, clicking on “Pre Requisites to be followed before proceeding to the next page” brings you to the wrong page: How To Update Samsung Galaxy S2 GT I9100 with XWKJ3 Gingerbread 2.3.5 Firmware…this is KK5 2.3.6, not KJ3 2.3.5 !!!

2) On page 2, the title right above the first step to download the 2.3.6 package says “Procedure to Update Samsung Galaxy S GT I9000 with XWKK5 Gingerbread 2.3.6″….This is I9100 not I9000 !!!

hey neal…i had updated my s2 to 2.3.5 using instructions provided here. Right now i’m in saudi arabia and there is an official version of 2.3.5 available here. How can i go back to factory provided 2.3.3 so i could get the official 2.3.5 through kies. please reply to my mail \flyingbullz87@yahoo.co.in\

hey neal…i had updated my s2 to 2.3.5 using instructions provided here. Right now i;m in saudi arabia and there is an official version of 2.3.5 available here. How can i go back to factory provided 2.3.3 so i could get the official 2.3.5 through kies. please reply to my mail “flyingbullz87@yahoo.co.in”

Hi i got my Samsung galaxy s2 in Oct my friend got it in nov he got update from kies for 2.3.6 . But when i check with kies it shows 2.3 its latest version. No update available . May i know what could be issue . wants to update with kies only

After updating & rooting ver 2.3.6 I noticed one problem during the course of use. I am restricted to the ringtones provided in the rom. There is no menu to use other sound files. Any resolution for this?

Hi neal, I have a S2 I9100M with stock firmware 2.3.3 PDA: I9100MUGKG2 PHONE: I9100MUGKG2 CSC: I9100MBMCKGW. I got my phone rooted and unlocked after purchase. I have a few questions. Firstly, can i upgrade my phone from 2.3.3 to 2.3.6 directly. Secondly, after i upgrade, will my phone get unrooted and locked again. In such case, will i have to root it and unlock it again. Which app do i use to Unlock my phone? In the earlier question from Brian, u have mentioned that I9100M (Canadian Virgin mobile) can apply this update, which i want to reconfirm.

I tried to flash this firmware with odin. And it resulted in boot loop.
My phone is not starting. I can not enter in to recovery mode with Vol up + menu + power.
I can only enter in download mode. I also tried to flash my stock firmware. My original firmware version was: PDA:KF4 / Phone:KF2 / CSC:KF1(H3G). So i tried to flash GT-I9100_H3G_I9100XWKF4_I9100NEKF2_I9100H3GKF1.tar.

But none of the firmware solved boot loop. I also tried to flash Villianrom1.1 with odin, but no success.

Lol nevermind was easy to figure out. First you make CWM backup of your old stuff. install 2.3.6 then root then make CWM backup. After this restore your old CWm backup now you should have everything back as before now go to restore the 2.3.6 backup but only mark the System checkbox. Reboot phone and ur good to go with ur old files kernel tomorrow root access and on top of that running 2.3.6. Hope this helps anyone running custom firmware looking to upgrade versions without having to start from nothing again after update.

Could I simply say nice to read a help to discover somebody who definitely realizes exactly what they’re sharing on the web. You actually recognize how to take android difficulties to light and make essentially solutions.

First of all kudos on the great job! I’m gonna update my S2 tomorrow but I got a few queries before I do so. I’m a newbie so please do bare my ignorance. I’m currently running 2.3.3 Baseband I9100DDKE4 KERNEL 2.6.35.7-I9100XWKF3. I’m guessing there won’t be a problem if I directly update to 2.3.6, please correct me if I’m wrong.

1. How do backup my apps?? Doesn’t my gmail account already have a list of all apps installed on the phone so is there a feature to just install them back??

2. If any problems arise during installation (or AFTER) will the phone automatically revert back to the previous version or do I have to install that version back onto the phone?

3. If I update now using Odin will I never be able to do the automatic updates again through Kites?

4. Any risks involved in doing this manual update??

Please do get back to me and thanks in advance for taking the trouble.

First of all kudos on the great job! I’m gonna update my S2 tomorrow but I got a few queries before I do so. I’m a newbie so please do bare my ignorance. I’m currently running 2.3.3 Baseband I9100DDKE4 KERNEL 2.6.35.7-I9100XWKF3. I’m guessing there won’t be a problem if I directly update to 2.3.6, please correct me if I’m wrong.

1. How do backup my apps?? Doesn’t my gmail account already have a list of all apps installed on the phone so is there a feature to just install them back??

2. If any problems arise during installation (or AFTER) will the phone automatically revert back to the previous version or do I have to install that version back onto the phone?

3. If I update now using Odin will I never be able to do the automatic updates again through Kites?

4. Any risks involved in doing this manual update??

Please do get back to me and thanks in advance for taking the trouble.

1. you can only backup the apps if you have rooted the phone using the titanium backup pro but if you haven’t rooted then you can’t backup apps! your gmail account has a history of all your apps downloaded.

2. yes, if you are updating from download mode and due to some reasons if it doesnt get updated then pull out the battery, reinsert to use the phone normally!

3. 3. you can update via kies but you need to first get back to the original version after which the kies will detect it as official and then it will push the update if any!

fulham says:
December 6, 2011 at 5:19 pm
NEW QUESTION AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS MESSAGE:
Hi,
I flashed using your link.
However, the device only shows \logo.jpeg\ draw failed and cannot be rebooted any further.
Help please!

[Reply]

NeaL Pradeep Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 1:00 am

WHEN EXACTLY ITS GIVING YOU THE ERROR?
QUESTION:
Hi basically that “logo.jpeg draw failed” shows up on a black screen everytime I try to boot up the phone.
Looks like a corrupt installation.
I can enter the download mode, but due to some bizzare reason my device is not being recognized by both Win XP /Win 7 PCs. Both have latest kies installed.
So, I can’t reflash using the desktop.
I flashed the phone using mobile odin from the phone itself (with the firmware on the sd card).
I have used mobile odin before too, with no problem.
Therefore, I don’t think that is the culprit.
I cannot enter the recovery mode, as trying to do so also ends up with the draw failed message.
Any suggestion?
If nothing works, I will have to take it back to Samsung.
Since the download mode shows a triangle and a warning against a custom os and then selecting volume up to continue shows “Odin mode” custom binary download: yes (2 counts).
Current binary: samsung official
Would they know that the device has been flashed?
If yes, they might not accept it for repair. Can we stop this screen showing up in that case.
Do you know why PCs are not reconizing my phone, even before flashing this time?
There was no such problem until about 2 months ago.
Thanks

Sorry Neal, I didn’t realise that I posted the problem here.
I was looking for it on another location and no wonder I couldn’t find it!

Anyway, I cannot use the phone because it doesn’t go beyond the black screen with green letters reading \logo.jpeg draw failed. If I am connected to a power source that changes to \charger.jpeg draw failed.
That’s it! Never gets to the normal user interface.
I removed the battery and hard reset several times (using volume+home+power button) several times.
It ends up with the same problem.
However, I can still make it go into download mode by pressing the appropriate button combination (of course I have to remove the battery first, to get rid of the screen mentioned above).
But, the problem is that lately my phone is not recognised by both Win XP & Win 7 PCs due to some bizarre reasons.
I have installed latest version of Kies and usb drivers for samsung phones – nothing works!
I know, I can easily reflash it using the desktop odin , if the phone were to be recognized by the PC in the first place.
(I flashed the phone by using mobile odin from within the phone with the firmware on the sd card. I have used mobile odin a few times before too, with no problems. So, I don’t think that’s the culprit.)
Thx

Then probably i should not and i can make out are a newbie… cuz its obvious a manual update wont require kies..kies is automatic and you are an idiot and all other people too who are trying your leaked beta version !!

I tried updating my phone with this update but could not succeed. After getting into the download mode i connected my phone to the laptop so that the drivers could be installed. But unfortunately the drivers did not install and i could not proceed further with the update. Could you let me know what the problem could be? Also let me know a solution to this issue.
By the way, not sure why my previous post is still under moderation. Anyway thanks in anticipation.

I just wanted to know if i update my phone to 2.3.6 using your method will i still be able to update to 2.3.7 or 4.0.1(if any) provided by Samsung through Kies ? Also do i need to root my phone before using Odin to put 2.3.6 ? And does manually updating would put any bloatware or any other additional app which is unrequired or not in english?? And is this update be ok for an indian version of S II which is still officially stuck to 2.3.3?? Also is this a global version of 2.3.6 or a region specific update which would be pushed to other S II ??

SORRY FOR TOO MANY QUESTIONS !!

Also a quick reply to my queries would be appreciated… Thanxs in advance !!

Firstly, i must say that you guys are doing a great job. Well done and keep it up.

Secondly, i own a Samsung Galaxy S2 GT-I9100 which i bought in the month of June in India. I am on 2.3.3 and for the past few months was waiting for an official update to be released. I connected my phone through KIES and found that there was an update available. I guess its 2.3.4. However, as you are aware there are a lot of problems with KIES. So i quit using KIES and follow androidadvices closely. Till date i was hesitant to update my phone with the custom or rather BETA firmwares that are available here. Finally i have decided to update my phone with this latest firmware i.e. 2.3.6 today. Before doing that i have a couple of queries.

1) During the process of update if i face issues that are mentioned above and wish to revert to the previous firmware will i be able to do that? If yes, how? Where can i find the package for the previous version? By previous version do you mean 2.3.5 or the version that i previously had i.e. 2.3.3?

2) In case if i face an issue and its remains unresolved can i go to the Samsung service center and get my phone in the working condition? Will the service center guys say that since you tried updating with custom firmware we wont be able to help you?

The second query is the main reason i am in a dilemma whether to gather my guts and proceed with the update.

Gokul, first of all you need to make a note of the previous firmware version which you already have on your Phone. Next you need to ensure that you have taken a backup of your data and then proceed with the steps mentioned on this blog. Following this you can restore back anytime to the original firmware by searching the respective version here.

Also make a note that you can always take the device to the service center by restoring to the custom ROM and getting the warranty back.

Another suggestion I need. Now my phone does not connect to my PC through Kies, phone does not initiate any such dialog (connecting to Kies) as it was in 2.3.3. Now my Kies Air working in the phone as it keep on searching for my wireless router.

First of all I must appreciate your forum which is much clear to follow and implement without any confusion, previous to this I was following Samfirmware which now changed and a lot confusing to find out the things you need and specifically India related.

I have Galaxy S2 GT-I9100 and was having 2.3.3, yesterday I updated to 2.3.6 following your instructions and successfully did. My reason for upgrade was to use Vilengo assistant without internet connection which I have seen working in Nexus with 2.3.6 and this is the only update listed under enhancements when you search version history. But here it still ask for internet connection when I want to use voice command by Velingo. Please help how to make Velingo work as it works in Nexus.

Thanks for the wonderful guide, very well written. I have successfully updated to 2.3.6 and notice my wifi signal is a better than before. I used to get no bar in my room, now I get one bar. Everything seems a little faster and smoother.

The only issue I have his the missing Contact icon and Messaging icon on the quick launch. I was able to add the Messaging but when I tried to add the contact, there’s no room for it. It appears that the quick launch only accept 3 icons.

hellow…i have sgs2 and upgraded straight from 2.3.3 to 2.3.5 …should i have go thru 2.3.4 ? because theres no Google talk the and the lag screen is still there.. will 2.3.4 remove my lag lock screen because the response time is 1.5-2sec and its a little inconvinient..

My issue is not solved. After the update as suggested here in the Android Advices, the phone is rebooted. In this process the phone gets stuck at the power on mode. The screen repeatedly shows the Samsung Logo screen and goes into a cycle. It doesn’t go beyond this. I also tried by removing the battery & reinserting and again applied the update. The same problem is continuing. Any solution for this?

Thank you Neal, yes I removed the battery, & reinserted after a minute. I went through the update process as suggested. Unfortunately the issue of my S2 not going beyond the power on screen mode is persisting. While reboot I noticed a message in the S2 as follows:
Applying Multi-CSC
Can’t access to ‘System/CSC/INU/System’
Successfully spplied Multi-CSC.

did try center button + power button for recovery mode no result…
i just flashed a kernel in PDA tab of Odin and my phone booted normally. when my phone booted recovery mode started work as well, and i wiped the phone. after i went through the procedure again, but again froze in the same place (cache.img)… i closed KIES and antivirus as well… i tried this procedure for several times by reflashing the kernel everytime but the same result. really dont know whats wrong.. (((

I had Samsung Galaxy S2 with formware version 2.3.3. I received this mail from Android Advices & tried the update 2.3.6. All worked well using Odin. I followed the instructions as given. Finally when the device rebooted, it got stuck there. I keep getting the power on screen with the Samsung logo in a cyclic mode. It doesn’t go beyond this, so no desktop. Is there a way to resolve this?

So i think its fair to say that 99% of people downloading these updates already have Odin, we dont need it included with every download, it just makes the download a bigger file and take longer… Just a thought

An official version of 2.36 can now be downloaded direct from the phone. Is it the same as the 2.36 XWKK5? If I were to download the official version of 2.36 direct from the phone, can I later root it using your method?

You said above that we can backup apps and games using Titanium Backup. But, what’s the point of backing up if we can’t restore them since this update unroots the phone, as you mentioned in the text on the first page. Am I right? If I apply this update, then I won’t be able to use Titanium Backup? Or am I wrong?

I installed XWKK5 its fast.and smooth. but sometime phone restarting during yotube watching.. my wirless i keep ON whole night.. but in the morning..sometime. wireless had to on and off to get browse internet again. seems. someting wrong with modem on this version ? its restarting automatically. after few hours..

So I have a question, Since my phone is the factory unlocked and international version, I don’t get the full HSPA+ network that tmobile has since its not a t-mobile branded phone. Would this update force me back on to their 4g network? Or do I have to wait for the 4.0 update for that to force me back on? Or does it even do that? Please reply I am trying to figure this out! Thanks! I wanna get my moneys worth instead of this crappy edge…

// To check whether the firmware has been successfully applied or not, you need to go to the path “Applications > Settings > About Phone” where you will find the firmware version as XWKK5 2.3.5 Gingerbread version. //

It will show as XWKK5 2.3.5 Gingerbread version or XWKK5 2.3.6 Gingerbread version ?

An official version of 2.36 can now be downloaded direct from the phone. Is it the same as the 2.36 XWKK5? If I were to download the official version of 2.36 direct from the phone, can I later root it using your method later?

in 2.3.5 XWKJ3, there was Netherlands language programs SamsungMMM and Digilezen, which we dont want anymore, that’s why i wanted to change it to English only version.. hope this 2.3.6 is full English only version?
apart from that. i dint have any problem with 2.3.5 version

Dear Neal,
What is the main changes on this XWKK5 Gingerbread 2.3.6 Firmware ? Just 1 week back i updated with 2.3.5 version. its working properly and next thing u have some thing mistake on this article like “To check whether the firmware has been successfully applied or not, you need to go to the path “Applications > Settings > About Phone” where you will find the firmware version as XWKK5 2.3.5 Gingerbread version.” its should be 2.3.6

Can i lost My games files, my themes, and any of app that installedfrom market. Is there anychance i can update this firmware without interupt this app. so after upgrade my firmware, i can use my app like usual. thanks